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The English primary batsmen have opted to avoid a pink-ball tour match in Canberra, even after a heavy loss in the opening Ashes Test in Western Australia.

England suffered defeat within two days in the first Test, leaving an extended break ahead of the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

The break presented the possibility for squad members to join the England Lions 48-hour pink-ball fixture against a Prime Minister's XI in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

However, just fast bowlers one bowler and Matthew Potts, plus batter Jacob Bethell – all of whom played in the Perth match – are set to go and link up with the Lions.

Sources suggest that not one of the first-Test XI asked to participate in the Canberra match.

Former England Player Describes Move "Bizarre"

Upon learning the team were considering sending players to Canberra for the development squad match, we assumed they would send players in need of practice.

The former England paceman and lead analyst added:

The team are responsible for how they prepare and their performances on the field. It's their job to doing everything possible of winning the series. The proof of the pudding comes with the results.

Lost Chance for Pink-Ball Experience

The fixture against the invitational side has long been customary for touring sides down under.

The tourists participated in the fixture in past Ashes tours, but was left out from their plans on this occasion because of a possible short gap to Brisbane had the first match gone all five days.

The flight from Perth to the capital takes almost four hours, and a further two-hour flight between the capital to Brisbane.

Yet, given the opening match finished so quickly – marking the first 48-hour Test in the series since 1921 – the thought of dispatching some of the batters to Canberra seemed to be logical.

Performance Issues in First Test

• The tourists were bowled out in both innings in the first Test inside 68 overs.
• It's been since 1904 have England faced so few balls in losing a Test.
• Each of captain Ben Stokes and ex-skipper didn't make double figures in either innings.
• Zak Crawley became one of just four English opening batsman to record a pair in an Ashes Test.

England played only one practice game prior to the Perth match, meaning the fixture in the capital would have provided much-needed batting practice.

Rare Day-Night Test Coming Up

Furthermore, the Lions match would have offered experience with the pink ball, with the team due to play a rare day-night Test.

England been defeated in 5 of their 7 previous pink-ball Tests, whereas the hosts have won thirteen from fourteen.

In pace bowler Mitchell Starc, who claimed 10 wickets in the first Test, Australia boast the top pink-ball bowler in the world.

Among the likely line-up in the next Test, wicketkeeper one player and pace bowler Gus Atkinson have never played a red-ball game using a day-night ball, and a third has played only one.

Leadership Stance

Questioned following the first Test if England would alter their plans and send squad members to the capital, captain Ben Stokes was adamant in refusing.

I've been asked repeatedly, that was the method in the past. Our preparations incredibly well and work incredibly hard whenever possible to improve our game.

Coach the coach seemed to leave the door open when he said:

We've just got to work out what the pros and cons are. We're not married to a fixed plan at the moment, but we'll work it out in a couple of days.

McCullum added that he was "sure" a batter could play in the capital should they wish.

Criticism from Former Captain

Commenting on Saturday, former captain a well-known figure stated it would be "amateurish" to decline the opportunity to play in Canberra.

What harm is it taking part in 48 hours of cricket using the pink ball in evening conditions?

He added:

It's hard to believe so traditional to propose that by getting match practice they could become a little bit better?

My method would be, there's a day-night 48-hour match, you seize the opportunity, make the most of it, participate fully and give yourself the optimal preparation.

The squad are scheduled to fly to Queensland on Wednesday and do not plan to train until Monday. Exists the chance of an extra practice on Sunday.